Construction Inspector-Public Works

NV5, Inc.; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 68,880 - 103,320; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and life insurance

PTO and 401(k) options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a skilled Construction Inspector to support public works projects. This part-time role requires oversight of contractor work to ensure quality and compliance in infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of relevant experience in areas such as municipal projects and is proficient in civil construction principles. Offering $50.00- $75.00 per hour, plus benefits, this position is based in Southern California, with required travel to various project sites.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in municipal and public works projects.
• Knowledge of building codes and engineering practices.
• Valid California Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor contractor work to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Track costs and schedules, identifying risks early.
• Interpret plans and contract terms for stakeholders.

Skills

Civil construction principles

Quality oversight

Conflict resolution

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Education

High School Degree or related technical field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Construction Inspection Daily logs

Job description

Overview

NV5, where we specialize in technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for both public and private sector clients. Right now, we’re looking for a skilled Construction Inspector to join our team across Southern California and help deliver impactful public works projects.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in ensuring quality, safety, and compliance on infrastructure projects that shape the communities we live in—think roads, bridges, water systems, and more. As part of NV5, you’ll work alongside engineers, program managers, and environmental professionals to contribute to sustainable, cost-effective projects that make a real difference.

Competitive $50.00- $75.00 per hour+ Benefits

Location: Southern California; Hours: Full-time and Part-time

Focus: Public Works Infrastructure projects (Water/Wastewater/Roads/Treatment facilities/Airports/ Transportation)

If this sounds like an opportunity you’d like to explore, Apply today Careers - NV5

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do:

• Be the Problem-Solver: Work directly with supervisors, contractors, and design professionals to tackle challenges head-on, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Oversee Quality & Compliance: Monitor contractor work, inspect structures and systems to guarantee adherence to project plans and specifications.
• Keep Projects on Track: Track costs and schedules, identify risks early, and ensure that deadlines are met while avoiding budget overruns.
• Be the Go-To Expert: Interpret plans and contract terms, ensuring all stakeholders—from administrative staff to clients—are on the same page.
• Proactively Manage Challenges: Recommend solutions for delays, weather disruptions, and site emergencies to maintain efficiency.
• Drive Project Success: Represent NV5 and our commitment to excellence by maintaining strong client relationships and assessing their needs to provide optimal solutions.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Experience and working knowledge of civil construction principles/practices in at least one of the following three fields:
  • Municipal and Public Works projects, water and wastewater distribution systems, water and waste water treatment plants.
  • Transportation projects with a preference for highway and Caltrans roadway projects.
  • Experience and working knowledge with Caltrans MUCTD and Caltrans Construction Manual.
• 3-5 years of experience in the above areas.
  • Preference given to Group II Construction Inspection Certificates or other Valid Construction Certificates in Public Works or Related Fields.
• Electrical inspection, including SCADA and instrumentation for City and Agency municipal projects such as lift stations, pumping stations, water treatment plants, signalized intersections, and other electrical municipal projects.
• Knowledge of building codes, including ICBO, ACI, NEC, local City ordinances, and engineering practices for public works and/or transportation projects and/or electrical SCADA and instrumentation projects.
• Preference will be given to those who have a minimum of one valid Group II certification.
• Competency Statement(s)
• Experience providing construction oversight of the Contractor.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, proven ability to interact with individuals at all levels of construction while coordinating multiple, complex projects.
• Working knowledge of and basic proficiency with computers. Ability to create and use Construction Inspection Daily logs on computer/tablet. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to utilize other construction related software including Microsoft Project and/or Primavera, a plus.
• Conflict Resolution – effectively and constructively manage conflicts with others.
• Safety Awareness – identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.

Education:

• High School Degree or a related technical field.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Candidate must have a valid California Driver’s License.
• While certificates are not mandatory, the ideal candidate may have many of the following certificates:
  • Safety and Basic Certificates
  • Cal OSHA Safety Awareness Training
  • 40‑Hour HAZWOPER
  • Project Inspector
  • Public Works Inspector
  • Group II Certifications
  • AWS‑CWI Welding Inspector
  • Concrete Inspector
  • Building/Construction Inspector
  • Grading Inspector
  • Reinforcing Steel
  • Pre‑tensioned concrete
  • Post Tensioned Concrete
  • Structural Steel Welding Inspector
  • Concrete Batch Plant
  • Structural Masonry
  • Group III
  • Protective Coatings Inspector

Physical Requirements

Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Safety Glasses, Hard Hat, protective footwear, respirators or other PPE’s as needed in compliance with OSHA regulations). Ability to work out‑doors in inclemently hot or cold weather, sitting, standing, and walking. Most shifts are worked monitoring the Contractor’s standard construction shift during the day M‑F, but you should be willing to work nights and weekends. Ability to travel within Southern California.

Work Environment

Working out of a field office/vehicle at the construction site, Construction Inspectors monitor the overall construction project. Decisions regarding daily construction activities are generally made at the job site. Construction Inspectors travel extensively when the construction site is not close to their main office or when they are responsible for activities at two or more sites. Travel within Southern California may be required.

The base pay range for this California position is $50.00- $75.00 per hour; base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k), and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.